Hertfordshire Trading Standards has seized more than 28,000 illegal vapes from local retailers in 2025, underscoring the urgent need to tackle unregulated products that can contain harmful, unknown substances.
To raise awareness of illegal vapes and help young people understand the risks of vaping and nicotine addiction, Hertfordshire County Council has partnered with local young people to co-produce a youth-led vaping campaign.
Central to the campaign is a striking parametric sculpture in the shape of a brain, created by 3D Design students from Herts Regional College. Made from boxes of seized illegal vapes, the ‘Vape Brain’ sculpture symbolises the impact of nicotine dependency on mental health and highlights the scale of illegal vape sales in the county.
Milena is one of the 3D Design students involved in the ‘Vape Brain’ project. She said: “Young people are often targeted by vaping companies through flavours and packaging, which makes vaping seem harmless.
“Many don’t fully understand the long-term health risks. Raising awareness allows young people to make more informed decisions instead of being influenced.”
The sculpture will tour schools across Hertfordshire, supported by lesson plans to spark conversations about vaping risks and mental health.
Youth vaping among 11 to 17 year olds has nearly doubled since 2019. Rates are levelling off, however there are signs of growing dependency. In Hertfordshire, rates are lower than national figures, but fewer than 40 per cent of young people believe vaping harms health.
Dr Allison Wren, deputy executive member for public health and community safety at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “Many young people mistakenly believe that vaping helps with stress, but nicotine dependency can actually increase anxiety and other mental health issues.
“This campaign aims to challenge misconceptions and empower young people to make healthier choices.
“Our priority is to support our children and young people to be happy and healthy so that they can thrive and achieve their potential, and I’m delighted that young people have been so instrumental in this campaign.
“We urge parents, schools, and young people to be vigilant and report any suspected illegal sales via our website.”
The campaign also includes a social media drive to share factual information and quitting tips across digital platforms.
You can find out more about the campaign and report suspected illegal trading via www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/VapeBrain
0 Comments